DOVER — “My mission is to keep as many seniors as possible out of a nursing home,” said Theresa Bean, senior fitness instructor at the Dover Community Senior Center. “And to do that, you have to be able to get up and keep moving.”

Bean has been instructing seniors in Dover since 2007, when she first moved to New Hampshire. She teaches six-week class sessions throughout the year for muscle strengthening, cardio exercises, chair yoga and Zumba.

“Exercise not only helps diminish pain, lower blood sugar and lower blood pressure, but it also helps with your mind,” said Bean.

Barbara Elkerton, 89, has been taking senior fitness classes with Bean for around five years.

“I hate this class, I really do,” she said. “But when I walk out of this place, I feel great. I’d say to any older person: keep moving.”

Bean has been teaching classes for eight years and got her start when she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Bean ended up with a free pass to a gym and tried an exercise class.

“I can’t take medication for my fibromyalgia,” she said. “I’ve found that this [exercise] is my medicine.”

Bean asked her instructor how to become an exercise teacher and now has her ACE, Silver & Fit, Yoga and Zumba certifications. When she and her husband Duane moved to Dover a little less than six years ago, they knew nobody in town and ended up with a brochure for the senior center’s exercise classes. Bean attended a class and found out the previous instructor had passed away, so she told the center she was certified and was hired to teach the classes.

“Everyone seems to have a lot of fun,” Bean said. “Some people are religious about it — they sign up for every single session. I love every one of my students; they’re my inspiration.”

Bean’s muscle strength class usually has 20 people, but some miss class when they have doctor’s appointments or aren’t feeling well. Dance music plays as the seniors work to strengthen their leg muscles by using elastic tubing, stretching while using chairs for balance, and lifting weights.

Bean works with students to make sure they can comfortably do the exercises and stay fully fit.

Helen Gouveia, 66, has asthma and uses one inhaler at 6:30 a.m. and one at 7:30 a.m. in order to participate in the muscle strength class. She cites Bean as a great help in helping her learn to breathe and to keep moving, despite the asthma.

“Her guidance is awesome,” said Gouveia, 66. “We talk about nutrition as well and share tips. We don’t listen to a little gas here or there — it doesn’t matter!”

Last June, Bean won an Outstanding Achievement award from the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health for her work.

“It’s not only exercise, but also good for socializing,” Bean said. “They all take care of each other. If someone misses a class, they’re on the phone to make sure they’re OK. It’s a nice community.”

“I love this class!” Judy Sanderell, 72, said. “It makes me feel limber and wonderful, I just have to make sure not to overdo it. I love the camaraderie.”

The Dover Senior Center offers fitness classes Monday through Friday mornings at the Butterfield Gym, 61 Locust Street. In addition, they offer lunches, card games and day and overnight trips for seniors. For more information, call the Senior Center at 516-6436.